Official: Karim Benzema joins Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad on €400m contract following Real Madrid exit
Karim Benzema has joined Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad on a free transfer following the expiration of his Real Madrid contract.
Benzema has long been linked with a big-money move to the Middle East and said farewell to Real Madrid on Tuesday. He has now been unveiled as an Al-Ittihad player. The France international is understood to have signed a two-year contract, which is set to pocket him a staggering €400 million (£346m/$439m).
For the majority of the season, Benzema had been expected to extend his Madrid contract, which expires this summer. However, in the end he opted to follow former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia, with the pair poised to battle it out for the title next season.
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Benzema is here 🤩✍️
A new tiger will roar 🐅
Welcome to Ittihad!#Benzema2Ittihad#here2inspireKSA pic.twitter.com/I3GEm90fRB
: "I am excited to see you in Jeddah," Benzema said in a video posted on Al-Ittihad's social media channels.
Benzema will be unveiled in front of a capacity crowd in Jeddah on Wednesday. He is expected to be joined by more high-profile stars in the Saudi Pro League during the summer transfer window, with Lionel Messi among those linked with a move.